A red, gritty, watering eye is one of the most common reasons parents keep kids home from school — and one of the most misunderstood. "Pink eye" (conjunctivitis) isn't one condition: it can be bacterial, viral, or allergic, and each is handled differently.
Three causes, three approaches
Bacterial conjunctivitis typically produces thick, sticky discharge that glues lashes together overnight — it often benefits from antibiotic drops. Viral conjunctivitis is watery, frequently follows a cold, and usually clears on its own — antibiotics don't help. Allergic conjunctivitis is itchy above all, hits both eyes, and responds to allergy treatment. Using leftover antibiotic drops on the wrong type is a common mistake that helps no one.
Sorting it out at the pharmacy
Ontario pharmacists can assess conjunctivitis and prescribe treatment when appropriate — free with a valid Ontario health card. We ask about discharge, itch, contact lens use, and recent illness to sort the likely cause, and we know the red flags cold: eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, or injury mean a same-day medical referral, not drops from anyone.
Keeping it from spreading
Infectious pink eye moves through households and classrooms fast. Frequent hand washing, separate towels and pillowcases, and a pause on contact lenses and eye makeup protect everyone around you while things heal.
Red, sticky, or itchy eye? Get it assessed for free before you guess at drops. Orleans Community Pharmacy · 613-824-3111 · https://orleansrx.ca/pages/minor-ailments.
Read next: "Red flags: when it's not a minor ailment anymore"
This article is general information, not medical advice. A pharmacist assessment is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you; some situations need a referral to a physician or nurse practitioner, and Ontario pharmacists prescribe only within their permitted scope. Orleans Community Pharmacy · 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orléans, ON · 613-824-3111.
